Storm over UWA talk by outspoken author Germaine Greer

Five of Germaine Greer's more controversial comments

The West Australian

VideoThe Australian writer is making a speech at UWA on her recently published and controversial book titled 'On Rape.'

The University of WA is embroiled in another freedom-of-speech debate after it agreed to host outspoken author Germaine Greer, whose new book On Rape calls for a radical rethink on how to deal with non-consensual sex.

The Brisbane Writers Festival came under fire recently for withdrawing its invitation for Greer to speak amid concerns she was too controversial, and she was not invited to writers’ festivals in Melbourne or Canberra.

UWA’s student guild said it was “disappointed” the university would host Greer’s talk on Monday because of its potential to upset survivors of sexual violence.

“We are concerned about the university’s decision to host Germaine Greer discussing her new release, On Rape, which has been criticised for trivialising crimes of sexual violence and its impact on survivors,” it said.

“The comments made by Ms Greer in the release of this book oppose the stance taken by both UWA and the guild on the prevalence of sexual violence on campus, notably the commitment to maintain an environment where students and staff are valued, respected and able to realise their full potential as well as a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and assault.”

The guild said freedom of speech must be respected, “unless the speech incites harm and/or offence”.

UWA weathered controversy last month over its decision to cancel a talk by US doctor Quentin Van Meter, who claimed that transgender people were “delusional”, after initially refusing to bow to public pressure to ban him from the campus.

A spokesman said UWA’s academic board called an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to discuss freedom of expression and academic freedom, and how that interacted with its commitment to support marginalised groups.

He said UWA understood that speakers with controversial views would be invited to the university.

“The upcoming event is an important opportunity for a Perth audience to hear from one of the world’s most prominent voices of the feminist movement, and the university recognises that different viewpoints, including challenges and criticism, may be part of the discourse,” he said.

“The university has a duty to ensure academic freedom and open discussion and we will continue to encourage rigorous academic debate in an atmosphere of courtesy and respect.”